After that period they would have to live in Border Agency accommodation and would not have access to cash. Instead, they would be provided with a payment card loaded with £35 each week, but it could not be used for transport or at many businesses.

“We think it flies in the face of that promise and makes a mockery of it,” said spokesperson Hannah Ward. “The government says it’s prepared to protect these children, but it still detains families and now they’re proposing to make their lives absolutely miserable.

“There are many families [whose asylum claims] are turned down but can’t leave the country for a number of reasons. At the moment they continue to be supported in the same way they’re supported while awaiting a decision on their status, but if these proposals are carried through it will have a hugely detrimental effect on them.”

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